Second City - Chicago's Comedy Claim to Fame
I have become addicted to Top Chefs Chicago. It is fun watching the chefs stromp around my neighborhood and last night's show was no exception. The chefs spent an evening at the famed Second City improv comedy club (right around the corner from me) where the likes of John Belusi, Chris Farley and others got their starts. Watching the chefs at Second City got me thinking that a post about how to best experience the comedy club would be good to do.
Second City (1616 N. Wells St.) offers two showings Fridays and Saturdays at 8 and 11 p.m. ($25) and then one show at 8 p.m. Tuesday - Thursday ($19). On Sundays, the show is at 7 p.m. ($19). You can also go on Mondays but that night the performs rest and the Second City traveling troupe performs doing a "Best of Second City" show ($14).
I prefer the main stage but if it is soldout, the e.t.c stage is a solid second best. Call 312-337-3992 for reservations for both stages.
The new show on the mainstage started in April and is called No Country for Old White Men! The previous show was called Stuck Between Barack and a Hard Place. I love Second City's humor!
Before the show, I recommend going to Adobo Grill (1610 N Wells St.) for a margarita and chips and guacamole, which is made tableside. Being a margarita conssieur, I will say Adobo Grill makes the best one in Chicago. But, I would not stay for dinner. I find their food overpriced and lousy. I would venture half a block down and go to Las Pinatas (1552 N. Wells St.) for dinner. Homemade salsa, enchiladas, and more, this place is sort of like a hole-in-the-wall, but the food is authentic and super good. And, feel free to buy one of the dozens of pinatas hanging from the ceilings for a keepsake. :) The margaritas are not my favorite but after one or two at Adobo, who's noticing?!
I also like Trattoria Roma (1535 N. Wells St.) for dinner - freshly made pasts and the menu changes daily. Or, for a good BYOB, try Old Jerulsalem for Middle Eastern dishes.
All of the mentioned restaurants are within a two to five minute walk of Second City.